The action at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament, the last qualifying event of the Boxing Road to Paris series with 51 quota places at stake, continued today with 53 bouts in the Women’s 60kg, Women’s 75kg, Men’s 80kg, and Men’s 92kg weight divisions.
Afternoon Session
In the Women’s 60kg event, Agens ALEXIUSSON (SWE) and Teretia TOAURIRI KABUAUA (KIR) opened the fourth day of boxing in Thailand. The Swede, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, cleared her match in less than three minutes as her powerful shots forced the referee to stop the contest at 1:18 in R1.
The experienced Kazakh boxer Rimma VOLOSSENKO didn’t have any trouble outclassing the 21-year-old Felicitas Maria GANGLBAUER of Germany. A display of offensive prowess and a flurry of powerful punches helped VOLOSSENKO earn the favor of all five judges, securing a 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
A close match unfolded between Namuun MONKHOR (MGL) and Ankushita BORO (IND). The Indian boxer emerged victorious with a 4-1 decision after a pulsating battle. BORO took the first and second rounds, collecting four 10/9 scores from the judges. MONKHOR tried to counterattack in the third round, but her efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide in her favor.
Hanna OKHREI of Ukraine dominated her bout against Shoira ZULKAYNAROVA (TJK), securing a 5:0 unanimous decision victory to advance in the brackets.
Team GB celebrated the victory of 27-year-old Amy BROADHURST (GBR), who delivered a nearly perfect performance, defeating the Spanish Sheila MARTINEZ by 5:0, earning maximum points from all five judges.
Miroslava JEDINAKOVA (SVK) cleared her round against Ragad Ibrahim K ALNAIMI (KSA) in just 31 seconds: after three standing counts, the referee had to stop the contest, awarding JEDINAKOVA the victory by RSC at 2:29.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympian and three-time Asian Champion Yeonji OH (KOR) left everyone in awe with an exceptional performance against Carolina FERREIRA (POR). The Korean produced an excellent tactical display, beating the Portuguese via a 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
In the Men’s 80kg weight category, Dominican Republic’s Cristian Javier PINALES (DOM) threw plenty of punches to get his second consecutive 5:0 maximum points win after today’s bout against Osaro Lucky AIMUFUA (AUT).
Kelyn CASSIDY from Waterford, Ireland, is one step closer to securing a quota place after today’s success by 5:0 against India’s rising talent Abhimanyu LOURA (IND). CASSIDY has come close to Olympic qualification twice in the past year, reaching the quarter-finals at the European Games in Krakow last June and again at the qualification tournament in Busto Arsizio, Italy.
The 24-year-old Stiven AAS from Estonia had a day to forget as Gazimagomed Schami JALIDOV GAFUROVA of Spain shattered his dream to compete at his first Olympic Games. The Spanish boxer controlled the match from the beginning, delivering powerful shots that left no chance for his rival, sealing a 5:0 win.
Some sensational combinations targeting Haneul JUNG (KOR) secured Soheb BOUAFIA (FRA) a win in the third round, winning the bout via a 5:0 unanimous decision victory. The French boxer demonstrated his dominance throughout the match, attacking his opponent’s face and body to book a spot in the round-of-16 of the Men’s 92kg weight division.
Evening Session
In the Women’s 75kg class, ISILDAR Busra (TUR) and ENKHBAATAR Erdenetuya (MGL) advanced in the brackets, both dominating their bouts against Eseta FLINT (TGA) and Kimberly GITTENS (BAR), respectively.
Valentina KHALZOVA of Kazakhstan was too strong for the 24-year-old Karolina MAKHNO from Ukraine, who wasn’t able to counterattack the heavy punches of her rival. KHALZOVA advanced in the brackets with a sharp 5:0 unanimous decision victory.
Moments later, home fans enjoyed a brilliant performance from local hero Baison MANIKON (THA) against Gabriele STONKUTE (LTU). Cheered by the home crowd at Indoor Stadium Huamark, MANIKON showcased an offensive strategy from the start, featuring an impressive display of powerful blows targeting her opponent’s face. MANIKON sealed a sharp 5:0 unanimous decision victory to advance to the round-of-16, where she will meet Rady GRAMANE (MOZ), who lost her match against Suyeon SEONG (KOR).
Mexico’s Citlalli Vanessa ORTIZ, also known as “Bellatrix,” outclassed her opponent from New Zealand, Deanne Shontel TE-PAEA READ (NZL), with a resounding 5:0 unanimous decision victory. Advancing in the brackets, ORTIZ will face the German Irina Nicoletta SCHOENBERGER, who defeated Kenya’s Elizabeth Adhiambo ANDIEGO with the same scoreline.
Eldric SELLA of the Boxing Refugee Team couldn’t withstand the powerful attack of Gradus KRAUS of the Netherlands: after two standing counts, the referee was forced to stop the match in round 2.
In the Men’s 80kg event, the 20-year-old Yojerlin CESAR (FRA) was another winner today, defeating his rival Hector AGUIRRE from Mexico. Both boxers showcased determination and exceptional boxing skills, but CESAR landed the clearer shots to take the victory.
The crowd at the Indoor Stadium in Bangkok enjoyed another thrilling match between home favorite Weerapon JONGJOHO (THA) and Robby GONZALES (USA). The American began superbly, opening up a 4:1 lead after the first round courtesy of some incisive jabs. In the second round, the Thai boxer managed to find his rhythm and landed impressive blows that won the favor of all five judges. With both boxers giving their all in the third round, some solid punches from JONGJOHO to GONZALES’ face helped him gain the advantage and seal a 3-2 split decision victory.
In the Men’s 92kg weight category, Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Loren Berto ALFONSO DOMINGUEZ (AZE) secured a convincing victory with a unanimous 5:0 decision, demonstrating his dominance in the match against Jonathan TETTEH of Ghana. In the same weight category, Jamar TALLEY (USA), Rogelio ROMERO (MEX), and Georgii KUSHITASHVILI (GEO) all easily advanced in the tournament by RSC (Referee Stop Contest) in their respective bouts.
The action at the Indoor Stadium Huamark continues tomorrow, May 28, featuring 64 thrilling bouts in the Women’s 54 kg, Men’s 57kg, Men’s 63.5 kg and Men’s 71kg weight divisions.
Stay tuned for the latest updates, photos, and results, which will be posted online on the Athlete 365 Boxing Corner website at the tournament page.
Find additional information about the event on the Thai Boxing Association website.
